Dependents can claim death benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) following the death of a contributor, provided specific requirements are met[1].
Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or life partner of the deceased
- Guardian of a child of the deceased contributor
- Child of the deceased contributor (children are only eligible if there is no surviving spouse/life partner, or if the spouse/life partner has not claimed within six months of the death)[1][3]
Claim requirements and process:
- You must apply for UIF death (dependant’s) benefits within six months of the contributor’s death[3][2].
- The application must be made at the nearest Department of Labour office in person[1][3], or through the uFiling system online[4].
- The surviving spouse or life partner should complete FORM UF126 and submit it along with supporting documents to the Department of Labour[2].
- If a dependent child or minor applies, FORM UF127 must be completed[2].
- The employment office will provide FORM UF128, to be filled in by the last employer of the deceased[2].
- Supporting documents typically required include:
- Certified copy of the deceased’s ID or passport
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID
- Death certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
- Banking details (stamped by the bank)
- Latest six payslips or proof of earnings
- Service certificate from the employer
- Proof of termination (e.g., death notice or certificate)
- Only one person may claim the dependent’s benefit, with the spouse or life partner given preference[2].
- The benefit is paid as a lump sum into the claimant’s bank account, calculated as the total unemployment benefits the deceased would have been entitled to at the time of death[2].
- Dependents cannot claim from UIF if they have already received death benefits from the Compensation Fund[1].
- If the deceased had already claimed all UIF owed during their lifetime, no benefits remain for the dependents[2].
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